Safeguarding Your Valuables with the Right Safe

In today’s world, ensuring the safety of your home and valuables is more important than ever. A reliable safe is a crucial component of any home security plan, providing a secure place to store important documents, jewellery, and other valuables. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

Here are our top ten home security tips, focusing on the importance of selecting the perfect safe for your needs:

 

1. • Assess your security needs

• • Choose the right type of safe

• • Consider the locking mechanism

• • Verify the safe’s rating

• • Install safe in a secure location

• • Anchor your safe

• • Regularly update access code

• • Use a safe with multiple layers of security

• • Keep an inventory of valuables

• • Consider professional installation and maintenance

Continue reading this blog, and we’ll discuss each and every security tip further.

 

Assess Your Security Needs

Before purchasing a safe, evaluate what you need to protect. Are you looking to secure important documents, cash, jewellery, or electronic devices? Understanding your needs will help you determine the size, type, and features required in a safe.

 

 

Choose the Right Type of Safe

There are various types of safes available, each designed for specific purposes:

 

• • Fireproof Safes: Ideal for protecting documents and paper items from fire damage. These safes can withstand high temperatures and are essential for storing birth certificates, passports, and other critical documents.

• • Graded Safes: Perfect for protecting cash, with between £6,000 and £100,000 recommended overnight cash cover, Eurograde Safes provide a high-security solution to suit the needs of both domestic and commercial premises.

• • Wall Safes: These are installed into walls and are excellent for saving space while keeping valuables hidden. They are particularly useful for storing smaller items like jewellery and cash.

• • Floor Safes: These are installed in the floor and offer high security. They are typically more difficult for thieves to access and remove.
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  • Bespoke safes: There are safe manufacturers in the industry that can create a safe tailored to your specific needs and space. One such manufacturer is SMP Safes, boasting 45 years in the industry and over 40 years of experience in crafting high-quality safes. With bespoke SMP safes, you have the flexibility to customise your security solution to address all your security concerns.

Consider the Locking Mechanism

Safes come with various locking mechanisms, including key locks, combination locks, and electronic locks. Electronic locks often offer the most convenience and security, with features like biometric access or digital keypads. Choose a locking mechanism that balances security and ease of use.

 

Verify the Safe’s Rating

Look for safes that have been independently tested and certified by organisations such as the European Fire and Security Group (EFSG), the European Certification Body (ECB-S), and the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), part of BRE. These are trusted organisations that test and certify safes for their burglary resistance. When you buy a safe, you’ll see a certification badge showing where it was tested and what grade it received. Insurance companies around the world recognise these certifications, so you can feel confident in the protection your safe provides.

 

Install the Safe in a Secure Location

Placement is crucial for maximising the security of your safe. Install it in a discreet location that is not easily accessible to intruders. Avoid obvious places like the master bedroom. Instead, consider hidden spots like a closet, basement, or behind a false wall.

 

Anchor Your Safe

Regardless of the type of safe you choose, make sure it is properly anchored to prevent thieves from easily removing it from your home. Floor and wall safes, when installed correctly, are much harder to steal.

 

Regularly Update Access Codes

If your safe uses an electronic lock, regularly update the access codes to enhance security. This is particularly important if you have shared the code with someone who no longer requires access.

 

Use a Safe with Multiple Layers of Security

Consider safes that offer multiple layers of security, such as dual locks or additional locking bolts. These features make it significantly more difficult for burglars to gain access.

 

Keep an Inventory of Valuables

Maintain an updated inventory of the items stored in your safe. This can help you keep track of your valuables and provide essential information to authorities in case of theft.

 

Consider Professional Installation and Maintenance

For optimal security, have your safe professionally installed and regularly maintained. Professional installation ensures that the safe is correctly anchored and secure. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and rectify any potential issues before they become serious problems.